This Couple’s “Wedding for a Cause” Raised Over $100,000

Melissa Baran
March 6, 2018
Categories: The Blog

Where do I begin with this full-of-heart couple? They are incredible. Their story is incredible. And what they did with their wedding day is INCREDIBLE. As a cancer survivor, this Groom was graced with the unconditional love and support of his beautiful Bride from day one. Their journey led to a celebration like no other, which raised over $100k (you read correctly!) in support of The Lymphoma Research Foundation, with the help of an amazing vendor team, family and friends. The imagery from Justine Milton will warm your soul and the video captured by Blue Kite Cinema (which I insist you watch!) WILL make you cry. It’s all sooo good. We couldn’t be happier for you, Michelle and AJ!

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From the Bride… My husband and I held our wedding at Sunstone Villa on June 16th, and since AJ is a cancer-survivor, that inspired our idea to host a “Wedding For A Cause.” We raised money through our wedding with the help of vendors, friends, and family in support of The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), and I’m excited to announce that we raised over $100,000! AJ was diagnosed very early into our relationship and it played a large role in who we are today. We wanted our big day to be larger than the two of us, so with the help of LRF and many special vendors, our idea blossomed into more than we could have ever imagined. Based on feedback we’ve heard from vendors, we are one of the first to structure a charitable wedding like this and raise money beyond just asking for donations in lieu of gifts (which we did as well). In addition, each and every vendor that participated in our wedding made a sizable donation to our cause! Our efforts aren’t quite finished just yet … AJ’s parents are hosting a second reception for us in their hometown on September 9th, and we will be continuing to raise funds through that event and hope to raise over $100,000 ultimately! (update: we reached this goal already!)

We held the ceremony under an incredible oversized chuppah in the vineyard… We had a unique cocktail hour in front of the villa featuring a 9 foot concert grand Steinway piano (as my family owns a the Steinway dealership here in Orange County). Our reception has held on the back lawn with our 12-piece band as the backdrop, a round white dance floor in the middle, and special feasting table design tying it all together. We featured a 4-course wine and food paired dinner under chandeliers with lots of special attention to detail! Also of special note, my mother hand-made both of my wedding dresses for the evening!

Read here for more about the incredible way we met and how the idea for a charitable wedding blossomed. You can also find a list of all of the donating vendors here and our donation platform here.